State News

Two state historic sites expand schedules

Tuesday, April 4 by Jc Tinsley

The state’s Cahokia Mounds and Vandalia Statehouse historic sites are expanding their days of operation to better serve visitors, Illinois History Preservation Agency Director Heidi Brown-McCreery announced Monday.“The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency constantly evaluates its resources and how we can best use them to... Read More.

Governor Rauner Acts to Provide Better Services to Taxpayers

Monday, April 3 by Jc Tinsley

Governor Bruce Rauner today signed a series of Executive Orders to improve and streamline Illinois state government. Executive Orders 17-01, 17-02 and 17-03 will eliminate redundancies and simplify the organizational structure of the Executive Branch to deliver more efficient government and drive a better... Read More.

Unemployment Rate Decreases in Most Metro Areas

Friday, March 31 by Jc Tinsley

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates Metropolitan AreaFeb. 2017Feb. 2016Over-the-Year ChangeBloomington4.8%5.8%-1.0Carbondale-Marion5.6%6.5%-0.9Champaign-Urbana5.0%5.7%-0.7Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights5.1%6.5%-1.4Danville7.2%7.8%-0.6Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL5.3%6.3%-1.0Decatur6.3%7.4%-1.1Elgin6.0%6.6%-0.6Kankakee6.6%7.6%-1.0Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI5.6%6.1%-0.5Peoria6.7%7.4%-0.7Rockford9.0%7.5%1.5Springfield5.0%5.7%-0.7St. Louis (IL-Section)5.2%6.6%-1.4Illinois Statewide5.5%6.6%-1.1* Data subject to revision. CHICAGO–All but one of Illinois’ metropolitan (metro) areas experienced decreases in their over-the-year unemployment rate. Six of the metro areas had increases in nonfarm jobs, eight reported... Read More.

Governor Calls for Growing Illinois Together

Thursday, March 30 by Jc Tinsley

Governor Rauner today discussed growing Illinois by supporting agribusiness, growing the economy, and creating more good-paying jobs at the Agriculture Legislative Day Breakfast. "Agriculture is the backbone of our economy," said Governor Rauner. "Every person in Illinois benefits from our farms, and it’s important... Read More.

Illinois pension, other retirement-related debt climbs to $267 billion

Thursday, March 30 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois’ massive unfunded pension liability is well-publicized, but new data show that taxpayers are actually on the hook for billions more in other retirement-related debt as well. Illinois’ total state and local retirement-related debt is $267 billion, according to a new analysis by the... Read More.

ILLINOIS STUDENT ASSISTANCE COMMISSION AND KNACK PARTNER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Thursday, March 30 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, has partnered with Knack, a unique mobile app that allows students to play video games to discover skill sets that will assist... Read More.

ICC Establishes Office of Cybersecurity and Risk Management

Thursday, March 30 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) announced today the establishment of a new Office of Cybersecurity and Risk Management, with Dominic Saebeler serving as director. The initiative complements Governor Bruce Rauner’s commitment to building a more cyber secure Illinois.Through the development of policy, strategy and... Read More.

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Honors 35 Vietnam War Veterans

Thursday, March 30 by Jc Tinsley

Vietnam War Veterans today were honored and thanked for their service during the Vietnam War at the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans Home in LaSalle, Illinois. During the ceremony, a total of 35 Veterans were honored with a 50 year commemoration pin and... Read More.

Governor Highlights New Cadet Illinois State Police Classes

Thursday, March 30 by Jc Tinsley

Governor Bruce Rauner today highlighted the approval of two Illinois State Police (ISP) Cadet classes, and reaffirmed the administration's continued support for the ISP and public safety. He proclaimed April 1, 2017 Illinois State Police Day in Illinois to honor the 95th anniversary of... Read More.

Governor Highlights and Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Illinois’ Ethical Standards

Wednesday, March 29 by Jc Tinsley

Governor Bruce Rauner today discussed the changes his administration has made to create a more ethical and responsive government with the state ethics officers at the Executive Ethics Commission's Ethics Officer Conference at the University of Illinois-Springfield."Reforming the reputation and effectiveness of Illinois government... Read More.